Today we visited Cal Poly and UCSB, although they are rival schools they have a lot of common. Both require a minimum completion of the A-G requirements and have great engineering schools. Their close proximity to home, warm climate, and relaxed environment are some of the qualities I found inviting about both schools. Also both colleges have large undergraduate programs with small graduate programs, which I found to be reassuring because each school centers their focus on their undergraduate students and prepping them to enter the highest level graduate program possible. I also liked the fact that Greek life (fraternities and sororities) does not have a large presence throughout the campuses because I have little support for the Greek system.
Of course to be some of the best schools in California Cal Poly and UCSB have very competitive submissions programs. On average students who are admitted to both schools have about a 3.7 gpa and higher with SAT or ACT test scores. But the qualitative data is not all they focus on; both schools look for applicants to be active in extracurriculars, such as leaders in clubs, volunteering, and sports.
Although I can see myself at either college, after today I favor UCSB. It's location, diverse student body, and variety of of majors seem to be more suited for the college experience I want to have. But today was only the first stop among many and with four more schools to visit I'm still unsure of the type of school I want to attend. I hope that by the end of this weekend I have narrowed down the schools I want to apply to.
So excited to be on the trip and to be rooming with you! You remembered a lot that we heard on the tours making your blog an excellent reference for anyone interested in the schools we visit! I hope this trip is rewarding and helps you narrow down possible colleges you will be applying to like I know it will be for me :)
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